Display device, display control method, and program

ABSTRACT

The present technology relates to a display device, a display control method, and a program that enable various states of the device to be expressed in a limited region. 
     A television receiver set includes an indicator unit disposed at least in a part of a periphery of a display unit and including indicator configured to be lit at a predetermined luminance, and an indicator control unit configured to control lighting of the indicator. The indicator control unit performs control such that a lighting method of the indicator is changed according to passage of time. The present invention can be applied to a display device such as a television receiver set.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a national phase entry under 35 U.S.C. § 371of International Application No. PCT/JP2012/082377 filed Dec. 13, 2012,published on Jul. 4, 2013 as WO 2013/099631 A1, which claims priorityfrom Japanese Patent Application No. JP 2011-288089, filed in theJapanese Patent Office on Dec. 28, 2011.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates to a display device, a display controlmethod, and a program, and particularly to a display device, a displaycontrol method, and a program that enable various states of the deviceto be expressed in a limited region.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, in a television receiver set, a frame part around apanel on which images are displayed has been gradually thinned(narrow-framed). For example, a light sensing unit of a remotecontroller, an indicator (lamp) that indicates power-on, standby, andthe like, operation buttons for performing operations for settingfunctions of a main body, and the like are disposed in such a frame partin the related art (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1).

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: JP 2005-267897A

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

However, the region in which the indicator that indicates operations andstates of a display device is arranged is limited as the frame partbecomes thinned, and a new method for expressing operations and the likeof the display device has been demanded.

It is desirable to enable various states of a device to be expressed ina limited region.

Solution to Problem

According to the first aspect of the present technology, there isprovided a display device including an indicator unit disposed at leastin a part of a periphery of a display unit and including indicatorconfigured to be lit at a predetermined luminance, and an indicatorcontrol unit configured to control lighting of the indicator. Theindicator control unit performs control such that a lighting method ofthe indicator is changed according to passage of time.

According to the first aspect of the present technology, there isprovided a display control method of a display device including anindicator unit disposed at least in a part of a periphery of a displayunit and including an indicator configured to be lit at a predeterminedluminance and an indicator control unit configured to control lightingof the indicator, the method including performing control such that alighting method of the indicator is changed according to passage of timeby the indicator control unit.

According to the first aspect of the present technology, there isprovided a program causing a computer configured to control a displaydevice including an indicator unit disposed at least in a part of aperiphery of a display unit and including an indicator configured to belit at a predetermined luminance, to execute a process of performingcontrol such that a lighting method of the indicator is changedaccording to passage of time.

According to the first aspect of the present technology, control isperformed such that a lighting method of the indicator is changedaccording to passage of time.

According to the second aspect of the present technology, there isprovided a display device including an indicator unit disposed at leastin a part of a periphery of a display unit and including an indicatorconfigured to be lit at a predetermined luminance, and an indicatorcontrol unit configured to control lighting of the indicator. Theindicator control unit sets a light emission luminance of the indicatorto be a first luminance and then gradually changes the light emissionluminance to a second luminance different from the first luminance.

According to the second aspect of the present technology, there isprovided a display control method of a display device including anindicator unit disposed at least in a part of a periphery of a displayunit and including an indicator configured to be lit at a predeterminedluminance and an indicator control unit configured to control lightingof the indicator, the method including setting a light emissionluminance of the indicator to be a first luminance and then graduallychanging the light emission luminance to a second luminance differentfrom the first luminance by the indicator control unit.

According to the second aspect of the present technology, there isprovided a program causing a computer configured to control a displaydevice configured to include an indicator unit disposed at least in apart of a periphery of a display unit and including an indicatorconfigured to be lit at a predetermined luminance, to execute a processof: setting a light emission luminance of the indicator to be a firstluminance and then gradually changing the light emission luminance to asecond luminance different from the first luminance.

According to the second aspect of the present technology, a lightemission luminance of the indicator is set to be a first luminance, andthen is gradually changed to a second luminance different from the firstluminance.

The display device may be an independent device, or may be an internalblock constituting one device.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the first and the second aspects of the present technology,various states of a device can be expressed in a limited region.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a television receiver set as anembodiment of a display device to which the present technology isapplied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing a configuration of an LED indicatorin a smart unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing a configuration of an LED indicatorin a smart unit.

FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of the TV.

FIG. 5 is a further detailed functional block diagram of a control unitof the TV.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing a basic lighting example of an LEDindicator.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing a basic lighting example of an LEDindicator.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing a basic lighting example of an LEDindicator.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing a basic lighting example of an LEDindicator.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing a sequential lighting example of theLED indicator.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing associated lighting examples of theLED indicator with image displays.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing examples of lighting expressionscorresponding to activation and a power-off operation.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing a lighting expression of the LEDindicator when a predetermined button is pressed.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a setting screen example in which a timeris set.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing examples of associated expressionswhen timer setting is operated.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an operation of the TV when a screendisplay button is operated.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for describing lighting colors of the LEDindicator.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for describing an example of an associated lightingexpression corresponding to an operation of an up key.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for describing an example of an associated lightingexpression corresponding to an operation of a down key.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for describing an example of an associated lightingexpression corresponding to an operation of downward dragging.

FIG. 21 is a diagram for describing an example of an associated lightingexpression corresponding to an operation of upward dragging.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing examples of associated lighting expressionsin a screen-off operation.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing screen transitions when a video chattingfunction is used.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of an associated lightingexpression in electronic POP.

FIG. 25 is a diagram for describing an example of an informationexpression of the LED indicator corresponding to a lighting position.

FIG. 26 is a diagram for describing an example of an informationexpression of the LED indicator corresponding to a lighting position.

FIG. 27 is a diagram for describing an example of an informationexpression of the LED indicator corresponding to a lighting position.

FIG. 28 is a diagram for describing an example of an informationexpression of the LED indicator corresponding to a lighting position.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expressioncorresponding to a touch operation with respect to the smart unit.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expressioncorresponding to a touch operation with respect to the smart unit.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an associated expression corresponding toan NFC proximity operation with respect to the smart unit.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an associated expression corresponding toan NFC proximity operation with respect to the smart unit.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expressioncorresponding to data transfer.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expressioncorresponding to a gesture operation.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expressioncorresponding to a pairing operation of a BT device.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression witha Wi-Fi device.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression witha Wi-Fi device.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression witha Wi-Fi device.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression witha Wi-Fi device.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression witha Wi-Fi device.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression witha Wi-Fi device.

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression witha Wi-Fi device.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression witha Wi-Fi device.

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression witha Wi-Fi device.

FIG. 45 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression witha Wi-Fi device.

FIG. 46 is a diagram showing an example of an associated expression witha Wi-Fi device.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart for describing a process for realizing anassociated expression.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the present technology(hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described. Note thatdescription will be provided in the following order.

1. Exterior configuration example of a display device

2. Control block diagram

3. Basic lighting example of an LED indicator

4. Sequential lighting example of the LED indicator

5. Lighting examples associated with image displays

6. Lighting expression of the LED indicator corresponding to anoperation of a TV

7. Associated lighting expression with a screen-off operation

8. Association of a video chatting screen with the LED indicator

9. Information expression of the LED indicator based on video viewingexperience

10. Associated expression corresponding to a user operation performedwith respect to a smart unit

11. Flowchart for realizing an associated expression

[1. Exterior Configuration Example of a Display Device]

FIG. 1 shows an exterior configuration example of a television receiverset as an embodiment of a display device to which the present technologyis applied.

The television receiver set (hereinafter referred to as a TV) 1 of FIG.1 is constituted by a display main body 11, a smart unit 12, and a stand13. The display main body 11 is constituted by a display 14 on whichpredetermined images such as received images of broadcasting programsare displayed and a frame part 15 disposed in a peripheral part thereof.

The smart unit 12 is an indicator unit that at least has an LED (LightEmitting Diode) indicator 84 (FIG. 4) as a lighting unit that indicatesoperations and states of the TV 1 using lighting. On a front face of thesmart unit 12, a camera 93 is provided.

Note that, although the smart unit 12 is disposed in the frame part 15on the lower side of the display main body 11 in FIG. 1, the smart unit12 may be disposed in any portion of the frame part 15 of the upper,left, and right sides of the display main body 11. In other words, thesmart unit 12 may be disposed in at least one portion on the peripheryof the display 14.

A configuration of the LED indicator 84 in the smart unit 12 will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view taken around the smart unit 12 fordescribing the LED indicator 84 in the smart unit 12, A of FIG. 3 is afront view of the smart unit 12, and B of FIG. 3 is a diagram showingdisposition of the LED indicator 84 when the smart unit 12 is viewedfrom an upper side. Note that, in FIGS. 2 and 3, changes are made to thescale of the smart unit 12, disposition of each part provided in thesmart unit 12, and the like in order to facilitate understanding ofdescription.

As shown in B of FIG. 3, the LED indicator 84 includes one white LED 21Wand two color LEDs 21L and 21R. The white LED 21W is disposed at thecenter of the smart unit 12 with respect to the right-left direction andslightly forward with respect to the front-rear direction. The color LED21L is disposed on the rear-left side of the white LED 21W and the colorLED 21R is disposed on the rear-right side of the white LED 21W. Thewhite LED 21W is a white monochromatic LED emitting white. The colorLEDs 21L and 21R are configured as three LEDs of R (Red) G (Green), andB (Blue) capable of emitting predetermined colors.

A light beam of the white LED 21W is output from an output unit 23 (A ofFIG. 3) provided on the front side of the smart unit 12 via a lightguiding plate not shown in the drawing. Light beams of the color LED 21Land the color LED 21R are output from the output unit 23 provided on thefront side of the smart unit 12 (A of FIG. 3) and the output unit 23(not shown) provided on the lower side of the smart unit 12 via thelight guiding plate not shown in the drawing.

An electrode pad that is a part of a touch sensor 85 (FIG. 4) and a filmantenna 22 that includes an antenna of NFC communication and the likeare embedded near the bottom of the smart unit 12 as shown in FIG. 2.Accordingly, the smart unit 12 is designed to be able to detect contactsand proximity (approach within a distance of dozens of millimeters orless) of hands, fingers, and the like of a user and proximity of an NFCcommunication device thereto as will be described later.

In the following description, the white LED 21W, the color LED 21L, andthe color LED 21R are also referred to simply as an LED 21W, an LED 21L,and an LED 21R. In addition, when it is not necessary to specificallyidentify each of the LED 21W, the LED 21L, and the LED 21R, the LEDs aresimply referred to as LEDs 21.

[2. Control Block Diagram]

FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of the TV 1.

First, a configuration of the display main body 11 of the TV 1 will bedescribed.

A power supply unit 51 is connected to an external AC power source,converts the received AC power into DC power of a predetermined voltage,and then supplies the power to a DC-DC converter 52. The DC-DC converter52 converts a first power voltage supplied from the power supply unit 51into a second power voltage, and then supplies the voltage to each unitof a panel drive unit 53, a control unit 66, a smart unit 12, and thelike. Note that the power voltage supplied to each of the units may bedifferent or the same.

The panel drive unit 53 drives a panel 54 and a backlight 55 to displayvideos based on video signals supplied from the control unit 66. Thepanel 54 and the backlight 55 correspond to the display 14 of FIG. 1.The panel 54 controls opening of liquid crystal of each of pixels basedon driving control of the panel drive unit 53. The backlight 55 emitslight at a predetermined luminance based on driving control of the paneldrive unit 53. In other words, the display 14 of FIG. 1 is an LCD(Liquid Crystal Display), and the backlight 55 is disposed on the backside of the panel 54.

Each of HDMI terminals 55 ₁ to 55 ₃ exchanges HDMI (High-DefinitionMultimedia Interface) signals with external devices serving asconnection destinations of each of the terminals. An HDMI switch 56appropriately switches the HDMI terminals 55 ₁ to 55 ₃ based on controlsignals of HDMI to relay the HDMI signals to be exchanged between thecontrol unit 66 and the external devices connected to the HDMI terminals55 ₁ to 55 ₃.

An analog AV input terminal 57 causes analog AV signals (Audio andVisual signals) from the external devices to be input to supply thesignals to the control unit 66.

A PC input terminal 58 is configured as, for example, a mini D-sub15-pin terminal, and causes analog video signals among AV signals outputby a personal computer to be input to supply the signals to the controlunit 66.

An analog audio output terminal 59 outputs analog audio signals suppliedfrom the control unit 66 to an external device serving as a connectiondestination. An optical digital audio output terminal 60 outputs opticaldigital audio signals supplied from the control unit 66 to an externaldevice serving as a connection destination.

A LAN terminal 61 is configured as, for example, a 10BASE-T or100BASE-TX connector or the like, and connected to a predeterminednetwork such as a home network, or the Internet.

A tuner 62 is connected to an antenna (not shown) via an antennaterminal 63, acquires broadcasting signals of a predetermined channelfrom radio waves received with the antenna, and then supplies thesignals to the control unit 66. Note that, in the present embodiment,radio waves that the tuner 62 receives are assumed to be, for example,broadcasting signals of digital terrestrial broadcasting.

A B-CAS (registered trademark) card 65 in which encryption keys fordescrambling digital terrestrial broadcasting are stored is insertedinto a CAS card I/F 64. The CAS card I/F 64 reads the encryption keysstored in the B-CAS (registered trademark) card 65, and then suppliesthe keys to the control unit 66.

The control unit 66 performs control of the entire TV 1 based on acontrol program stored in an internal memory 66A configured as a ROM(Read Only Memory) or the like. The control unit 66 performs, forexample, a process of A-D (Analog to Digital) conversion and D-A(Digital to Analog) conversion of video signals and audio signals, adescrambling and decoding processes of broadcasting signals, and thelike. In addition, the control unit 66 also performs control based on abrightness signal, an IR signal, a touch sensor signals, a USB I/Fsignal from the smart unit 12 to be described later and LED control ofthe LED indicator 84. The control unit 66 can be configured as an SoC(System on a Chip) obtained by integrating a CPU (Central ProcessingUnit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a DRAM (Dynamic Random AccessMemory) and the like in one chip.

The control program stored in the internal memory 66A can be installedvia a USB memory or a hard disk device connected to a USB terminal inputunit 90 that will be described later, or a wired or wirelesstransmission medium such as a home network or the Internet.

An audio amplifier 67 amplifies analog audio signals supplied from thecontrol unit 66 and then supplies the signals to a speaker 68. Thespeaker 68 outputs sounds according to the analog audio signals suppliedfrom the audio amplifier 67.

Next, a configuration of the smart unit 12 of the TV 1 will bedescribed.

Power supplied from the display main body 11 is supplied to each unit ofthe smart unit 12 via a relay unit 81. In addition, a brightness signal,an IR signal, an LED control signal, a touch sensor signal, and a USBI/F signal that will be described later are exchanged between thedisplay main body 11 and the control unit 66 of the smart unit 12 viathe relay unit 81.

A brightness sensor 82 senses brightness around the TV 1 (for example,brightness of a room in which the TV 1 is installed, or the like), andsupplies a result of the sensing to the control unit 66 as a brightnesssignal.

An IR light sensing unit 83 senses IR signals corresponding tooperations of a user which are emitted from a remote controller that isnot shown when, for example, the user operates the remote controller,and supplies the signals to the control unit 66.

The LED indicator 84 causes the LEDs to turn on or off based on LEDcontrol signals from the control unit 66.

The touch sensor 85 has a plurality of electrodes that change anelectrostatic capacitance according to proximity of, for example, afinger of a person, or the like. The touch sensor 85 senses a proximityoperation and a contact operation of a user based on a change inelectrostatic capacitance of the plurality of electrodes, and thensupplies a result of the sensing as a touch sensor signal to the controlunit 66.

A USB control unit 86 is connected to the relay unit 81, a Wi-Fi(wireless fidelity) communication unit 87, an NFC (near fieldcommunication) communication unit 88, a BT (Bluetooth (registeredtrademark)) communication unit 89, USB (universal serial bus) terminalinput units 90 and 91, and an encoder 92.

The USB control unit 86 acquires USB I/F signals based on a USB standardwhich are supplied from each of the Wi-Fi communication unit 87, the NFCcommunication unit 88, the BT communication unit 89, the USB terminalinput unit 90, the USB terminal input unit 91, and the encoder 92 andthen outputs the signal to the control unit 66. In addition, the USBcontrol unit 86 appropriately distributes USB I/F signals supplied fromthe control unit 66 via the relay unit 81 to the Wi-Fi communicationunit 87, the NFC communication unit 88, the BT communication unit 89,the USB terminal input unit 90, the USB terminal input unit 91, or theencoder 92.

The Wi-Fi communication unit 87 transmits data supplied from the USBcontrol unit 86 as a USB I/F signal to another communication device, forexample, a mobile telephone or the like, through wireless communicationusing a Wi-Fi-based communication scheme. In addition, the Wi-Ficommunication unit 87 receives data transmitted from anothercommunication device (Wi-Fi device) through Wi-Fi wireless communicationand supplies the data to the USB control unit 86 as a USB I/F signal.

The NFC communication unit 88 transmits data supplied from the USBcontrol unit 86 as a USB I/F signal to another communication device (NFCdevice), for example, a mobile telephone or the like, through proximitywireless communication based on NFC defined in ISO/IEC 18092. Inaddition, the NFC communication unit 88 receives data transmitted fromanother communication device through the proximity wirelesscommunication and then supplies the data to the USB control unit 86 as aUSB I/F signal.

The BT communication unit 89 transmits data supplied from the USBcontrol unit 86 as a USB I/F signal to another communication device, forexample, a mobile telephone or the like, through wireless communication(BT communication) using Bluetooth (registered trademark). In addition,the BT communication unit 89 receives data transmitted from anothercommunication device (BT device) through the BT communication and thensupplies the data to the USB control unit 86 as a USB I/F signal.

The USB terminal input unit 90 and the USB terminal input unit 91 areconnectors to which USB terminals are connected. For example, a USBmemory, a hard disk storage device, and the like are connected to theUSB terminal input unit 90 and the USB terminal input unit 91 asexternal storage devices. The USB terminal input unit 90 and the USBterminal input unit 91 are provided, for example, on both sides of thehousing of the smart unit 12 so as to face each other.

The encoder 92 is connected to the camera 93 and a microphone 94. Thecamera 93 is configured by an imaging sensor such as a CCD (ChargeCoupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) imagesensor, and supplies video signals obtained from imaging to the encoder92. The microphone 94 supplies audio signals obtained fromsound-collecting to the encoder 92. The encoder 92 performs an A-Dconversion process of the video signals and audio signals and a signalprocess such as an encoding process, and supplies processed signals tothe USB control unit 86 as USB I/F signals.

FIG. 6 shows a further detailed functional block diagram of the controlunit 66.

By performing the control program stored in the internal memory 66A inthe control unit 66, at least an AV signal processing section 101, acommunication control section 102, an LED control section 103, and asensor control section 104 are realized.

The AV signal processing section 101 performs control for displaying apredetermined image on the display 14. For example, the AV signalprocessing section 101 performs an input and output processes of videosignals and audio signals, an A-D (Analog to Digital) conversionprocess, a D-A (Digital to Analog) conversion process, a descramblingprocess and a decoding process of broadcasting signals, and the like.

The communication control section 102 performs control of communicationto a network connected via the LAN terminal 61, Wi-Fi communication, NFCcommunication, BT (Bluetooth (registered trademark)) communication, andthe like.

The LED control section 103 performs LED control of the LED indicator84. To be specific, the LED control section 103 controls currentssupplied to LEDs based on PWM (Pulse Width Modulation: Pulse-WidthModulation) control, and controls the luminance of light emission. ThePWM control is a scheme to control the average value of current byturning the current to be in an ON state and OFF state throughswitching, and changing a ratio (duty cycle) of the ON state and the OFFstate.

The sensor control section 104 acquires a brightness signal from thebrightness sensor 82 an IR signal from the IR light sensing unit 83, animaging signal imaged by the camera 93, and the like, and performscontrol according to the acquired signals. The sensor control section104 also performs control of the AV signal processing section 101, thecommunication control section 102, and the LED control section 103according to the acquired signals.

The TV 1 configured as described above provides illumination (anexpression using light) that causes a user to instantaneously recognizea function or a state of the TV 1, or an operation performed by the userwith respect to the TV 1 in association with a display image of thedisplay 14 and lighting of the LED indicator 84 of the smart unit 12.Hereinafter, various kinds of expressions using the display image of thedisplay 14 and lighting of the LED indicator 84 of the smart unit 12will be described.

[3. Basic Lighting Example of the LED Indicator 84]

First, a simplest lighting method of the LED indicator 84 of the smartunit 12 will be described.

A of FIG. 6 shows a display example in which only the LED 21W at thecenter of the LED indicator 84 is lit. B of FIG. 6 shows a displayexample in which three LEDs 21 are lit to emit white light.

Note that, in drawings of FIG. 6 and thereafter, illustration of eachconfiguration of the smart unit 12 is omitted and light-on or light-offof the LED indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 will be appropriatelyexpressed with a predetermined concentration in order to facilitateunderstanding of a lighting expression. In addition, in descriptionhereinbelow, light-off or light-on of the LED indicator 84 will also bereferred to as light-off or light-on of the smart unit 12.

As described with reference to FIG. 2, a light beam of the LED 21W isoutput only from (the output unit 23 on) the front side of the smartunit 12. Thus, when only the LED 21W is lit, only the front face of thesmart unit 12 emits light in a line shape as shown in A of FIG. 6.

Light beams of the LED 21L and LED 21R are output from (the output unit23 on) the front side and lower side of the smart unit 12. Thus, whenthe three LEDs 21 are lit, light is formed in a semi-circular shape inthe vertically downward direction from the smart unit 12 in addition toemitted light of the front face of the smart unit 12 as shown in B ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 7 shows disposition of the three LEDs 21 when the smart unit 12 isviewed from the upper side and a lighting example of the front side ofthe smart unit 12.

When only the LED 21W is lit, only the center of the smart unit 12 in aline shape emits light in a spot shape as shown on the left side of FIG.7 since the LED 21W is disposed on the center-front side of the smartunit 12.

On the other hand, when the two LEDs 21L and 21R disposed on therear-right and rear-left sides are lit together with the LED 21W at thecenter, the smart unit 12 emits light in a stripe shape (line shape) asshown on the right side of FIG. 7.

As described above, by dividing uses of the two kinds of light emissionstates with a spot expression and a stripe expression in the LEDindicator 84, it is possible to express differences of states of, forexample, a power-on state, a standby state, and the like of the TV 1.

With the expressions of the two kinds of light emission states includingthe spot expression and the stripe expression, a user can recognize thedifference of the two kinds of states of the TV 1 without having toidentify the colors. When such expressions are to be given, the twocolor LEDs 21L and 21R may be lit in white, and thus the expressions canbe realized even when the two color LEDs 21L and 21R are white LEDs.

In addition, in the present embodiment, although the LED indicator 84 isset to include the three LEDs 21, the two kinds of light emission statesof the spot expression and the stripe expression can be expressed with,for example, the two LEDs 21 disposed back and forth as shown in FIG. 8.In addition, for example, even when the three LEDs 21 are disposed inthe horizontal direction side by side as shown in FIG. 9, the two kindsof light emission state of the spot expression and the stripe expressioncan be expressed.

In other words, in the present embodiment, although the LED indicator 84is set to include one LED 21 on the front-center side and two LEDs 21 onthe rear-right and rear-left sides, the number of LEDs 21 included inthe LED indicator 84 may be two or more, and disposition of the LEDs 21can also be appropriately decided.

Note that, although FIGS. 6 to 9 are set to be diagrams in which bothends of the smart unit 12 do not emit light for the sake of convenienceof description, the LED indicator 84 can actually cause both ends of thesmart unit 12 to emit light.

[4. Sequential Lighting Example of the LED Indicator 84]

The examples described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9 are lightingexamples when one or more LEDs 21 are lit at a predetermined lightemission luminance or turned off.

FIG. 10 shows a lighting example in which a light emission luminance ofone or more LEDs 21 is continuously changed by PWM control.

A lighting expression as shown in A of FIG. 10 is possible when the LEDcontrol section 103 performs control in which the white LED 21W on thefront-center side is lit first, then light thereof is gradually dimmed,and at the same time, the color LEDs 21L and 21R on the rear-right andrear-left sides are gradually lit to emit white light, and then thelight is gradually dimmed. In other words, a lighting expression ispossible such that the center part of the smart unit 12 in the lineshape is first lit and light thereof moves to the right and left sidesas if flowing.

In addition, when opposite control to the lighting control of A of FIG.10 is performed, a lighting expression as shown in B of FIG. 10 ispossible. In other words, the lighting expression is possible such thatboth ends of the smart unit 12 in the line shape are lit first, and thenthe light moves to the center part in a flowing manner.

Such a lighting expression in which lighting positions and luminancesare changed according to passage of time as described above can beemployed as an expression indicating continuous operations of the TV 1.For example, an expression indicating an operation performed when the TV1 is connected to an external device such as a remote controller, a PC(personal computer), a mobile terminal (smartphone), or the like totransmit or receive data is possible. When the lighting expression of Aof FIG. 10 is given, a user can perceive an operation of outputting(transferring) data from the TV 1 to an external device assuming thatthe smart unit 12 to be a central unit (core) or an input and outputunit of the TV 1. When the lighting expression of B of FIG. 10 is given,the user can perceive an operation of inputting data from an externaldevice to the TV 1.

[5. Lighting Examples Associated with Image Displays]

FIG. 11 shows examples of associated lighting expressions combined withimage displays of the display 14 in the lighting expressions of the LEDindicator 84 shown in FIG. 10. Note that, in order to facilitateunderstanding of lighting expressions of the smart unit 12 in FIG. 11,the width of the smart unit 12 is shown to be the same as the width ofthe display main body 11.

A of FIG. 11 is an example of a lighting expression in which lighting ofthe one white LED 21W is combined with an image display of the display14 and an example of a lighting expression to cause a user to perceivedata output in the same manner as in A of FIG. 10.

In A of FIG. 11, an image in which white light is disposed at the screencenter is first displayed on the display 14. Then, the light displayedat the screen center gradually moves in a downward direction of thescreen that is the direction of the smart unit 12. Then, when the lighton the display 14 disappears, the white LED 21W of the smart unit 12 islit and then the LED turns off.

B of FIG. 11 is an example of a lighting expression in which lighting ofthe one white LED 21W is combined with an image display of the display14 and an example of a lighting expression to cause the user to perceivedata input in the same manner as in B of FIG. 10.

In B of FIG. 11, the center of the smart unit 12 is first lit with thewhite LED 21W, and then the LED turns off. At the same time when thewhite LED 21W turns off, an image in which white light appears near thesmart unit 12 in the screen is displayed on the display 14. Then, animage in which the white light displayed on the screen gradually movesin an upward direction of the screen and then disappears at the centerof the screen is displayed on the display 14.

C of FIG. 11 is an example of a lighting expression in which lighting ofthe three LEDs 21 is combined with an image display of the display 14,and an example of a lighting expression that causes the user to perceivedata output.

In C of FIG. 11, an image in which white light is disposed at the screencenter is first displayed on the display 14, and then the lightdisplayed at the screen center gradually moves in the downward directionof the screen that is the direction of the smart unit 12. Then, thelight on the display 14 disappears, and at the same time, a lightingexpression is made such that the white LED 21W disposed at the center ofthe smart unit 12 is lit and then the light of the center of the smartunit 12 moves to the right and left in a flowing manner.

D of FIG. 11 is an example of a lighting expression in which lighting ofthe three LEDs 21 is combined with an image display of the display 14and an example of a lighting expression that causes the user to perceivedata input.

In D of FIG. 11, the color LEDs 21L and 21R are first lit to emit whitelight at both ends of the smart unit 12 and then the LEDs turn off. Atthe same time as the color LEDs 21L and 21R turn off, the white LED 21Wis gradually lit, and then the LED turns off. Accordingly, a lightingexpression in which both ends of the smart unit 12 are first lit and thelight moves to the center part in a flowing manner as in B of FIG. 10 ispossible. Then, an image in which the light of the white LED 21W is offand white light appears near the smart unit 12 in the screen isdisplayed on the display 14. Then, an image in which the white lightdisplayed on the screen gradually moves in the upward direction of thescreen and then disappears at the center part of the screen is displayedon the display 14.

As described above, by combining lighting expressions of the LEDindicator 84 with the image displays in which white light appears to beabsorbed by the smart unit 12 or discharged from the smart unit 12, theuser can be made to perceive input and output of data.

[6. Lighting Expression of the LED Indicator 84 Corresponding to anOperation of a TV] Next, a lighting expression of the LED indicator 84corresponding to an operation of the TV 1 will be described.

[6.1 Activation and Power-Off Operation]

FIG. 12 shows examples of lighting expressions corresponding to anactivation operation for switching a standby state (power-off) to anactivated state (power-on) of the TV 1 and a standby operation forswitching an activated state to the standby state.

When the TV 1 is in the standby state, the LED control section 103controls the color LEDs 21L and 21R to emit light with, for example, aluminance of 50% of a maximum luminance (MAX) as shown in A of FIG. 12.Note that, in description provided below, LED control for emitting lightwith, for example, the luminance of 50% of the maximum luminance will bereferred to as lighting with 50% luminance.

Then, a user performs the activation operation for switching the TV 1from the standby state to the activated state by pressing the powerbutton of the remote controller or the like. According to the operationof the user, the LED control section 103 causes the color LED 21L andthe color LED 21R to be lit with 100% luminance as shown in B of FIG.12. In addition, a predetermined logo (“SOMY”) is displayed on thedisplay 14 for a moment.

C of FIG. 12 shows a control sequence of luminances of the three LEDs 21when the activation operation is detected. The LED control section 103causes the color LEDs 21L and 21R to be lit with 100% luminance, andthen controls such that the LEDs have 0% luminance for a predeterminedtime. In addition, the LED control section 103 controls such that thewhite LED 21W that has 0% luminance is gradually lit after a certaintime from the activation operation elapses and then has 50% luminancefor a predetermined time from the activation operation.

On the other hand, when the user performs the standby operation toswitch the TV 1 from the activated state to the standby state, the LEDcontrol section 103 performs LED control as shown in D of FIG. 12. Inother words, the LED control section 103 controls such that output ofthe color LEDs 21L and 21R gradually increases from 0% luminance to 50%luminance, and output of the white LED 21W gradually decreases from 50%luminance to 0% luminance.

[6.2 Button Operation]

FIG. 13 shows a lighting expression of the LED indicator 84 when apredetermined button such as a channel button or a program table buttonof the remote controller of the TV 1 is pressed.

In a general television receiver set of the past, an LED lamp is litonly at the moment at which a button operation is sensed. In this case,when a line of sight of the user slightly strays from the screen, theuser misses lighting of the LED lamp, and thus it is difficult for theuser to recognize whether or not the button operation has been sensed.

Thus, the LED control section 103 controls such that output of the threeLEDs 21 becomes 90% luminance from 0% luminance at the time of thebutton operation for a short period of time (for example, 0.1 seconds),and then controls such that the luminance gradually decrease to 0%luminance over a predetermined period of time (for example, 0.9seconds), for example, as shown in the solid line of A of FIG. 13.

In addition, for example, when an initial state is a state in whichlight is emitted with a predetermined output (for example, 50%luminance), the LED control section 103 controls such that the output isfirst raised to the maximum luminance and then returns to the originaloutput as shown in the solid line of B of FIG. 13.

As described above, by giving a lighting expression in which a luminanceis changed according to the passage of time and afterglow appears to beleft as operation feedback corresponding to the button operation of theuser, lighting can be recognized even when the line of sight of the userslightly strays from or misses the screen for a moment, and thus thedegree of visual recognition improves.

Note that the lighting expression in which afterglow appears to be leftmay be controlled opposite to the luminance control described above asindicated by the dotted lines in A of FIG. 13 and B of FIG. 13. In otherwords, the control indicated by the solid lines of FIG. 13 is control inwhich a luminance is set to a first luminance and then gradually reducedto a second luminance that is lower than the first luminance, but mayalso be control in which a luminance is set to a first luminance andthen gradually raised to second luminance higher than the firstluminance. In addition, it is needless to say that control values of alight emission luminance in the examples described above are mereexamples, and a control value is not limited to the exemplified values,and can be set to an arbitrary value (the same applies to otherexamples).

[6.3 Timer Operation]

Next, a lighting expression of the LED indicator 84 corresponding to anoperation of a user for executing a predetermined function will bedescribed. Herein, as the predetermined function, an example of a timerfunction to turn power of the TV 1 on or off at a predetermined set timewill be described.

FIG. 14 shows a setting screen when a timer is set in the TV 1.

On the setting screen, “On Timer” that is an item for designatingwhether “power on” is to be set or “power off” is to be set at adesignated time, “Day” that is an item for designating days, “Time” thatis an item for designating a time, “Channel” that is an item fordesignating a channel, “Volume” that is an item for designating volumeof sounds, and the like are provided.

The above-described items of the setting screen are displayed as a dimbackground image in a predetermined color in a circular shape startingfrom the center of the screen in a black background. Here, the color ofthe dimly lit circle is a color assigned in advance with respect to thetimer function, and set to be, for example, orange.

After setting each item of the setting screen to be a desired value, auser presses, for example, a decision button of a remote controller asan operation for confirming (registering) the set content. When thedecision button is pressed by the user, the TV 1 performs an associatedexpression in which an image display of the display 14 is combined withlighting of the LED indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 as shown in FIG.15.

In other words, in the same manner as the lighting expression shown in Aof FIG. 11, the orange light circle of the setting screen graduallymoves in the downward direction of the screen that is the direction ofthe smart unit 12. Then, the LED indicator 84 is lit in synchronizationwith or in association with disappearance of the orange light circle ofthe setting screen. For example, when the circular light on the settingscreen disappears, the smart unit 12 gradually emits light with thecolor LEDs 21L and 21R in orange until a luminance reaches the maximumluminance, and then the light is gradually dimmed and remains lit at aconstant luminance (for example, 20% luminance).

The state in which the LED indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 remains litat a constant luminance (for example, 20% luminance) indicates that thefunction corresponding to the color of the emitted light is beingoperated in the TV 1. In the present example, since orange is designatedfor the timer function, the LED indicator 84 is lit in orange at theconstant luminance, indicating that the timer function is beingoperated.

When the smart unit 12 remains lit at the constant luminance (forexample, 20% luminance), it means that the predetermined function isbeing operated in the TV 1, and the user can ascertain what function isbeing operated by pressing a screen display button of the remotecontroller.

FIG. 16 shows an operation of the TV 1 when the timer function is beingoperated, the user views a predetermined broadcasting program, and thescreen display button of the remote controller is pressed.

The leftmost side of FIG. 16 shows a state in which the smart unit 12 islit in orange indicating the timer function being operated at theconstant luminance (for example, 20% luminance).

When the screen display button of the remote controller is pressed, thedisplay image of the display 14 and lighting of the smart unit 12 arechanged in the order indicated by the arrows according to the passage oftime. In other words, on the display 14, a slave screen indicating theset content of the timer function being operated is displayed in aregion of the display image on an upper side of the smart unit 12 in asuperimposed manner, and then erased after a predetermined time elapses.In this case, the degree of superimposition of the slave screen on thebroadcasting program image that is a master screen increases accordingto the passage of time and then decreases according to the passage oftime. In addition, a light emission luminance of the color orange of thesmart unit 12 also increases and then decreases according to the passageof time in synchronization with the degree of superimposition of theslave screen. The slave screen indicating the set content of the timerfunction indicates supplementary information that supplements thefunction currently being operated (function corresponding to thelighting color of the smart unit 12).

In addition, for example, when the TV 1 has a function of recording aconcurrent program and the TV 1 is performing the recording operation,the smart unit 12 is lit in red during the recording operation. Then,the screen display button of the remote controller is pressed, the nameof the channel, the name of the program, an image of the broadcastingprogram and the like which are under the recording operation aredisplayed on the slave screen in the TV 1 as shown in B of FIG. 17, andthe smart unit 12 is lit at a luminance in synchronization with thesuperimposed display of the slave screen in red.

In addition, for example, in a state in which the user is using a videochatting function via the Internet and a program image is displayed in afull screen without displaying a video chatting screen (also referred toas a video chatting image), the smart unit 12 emits yellow lightcorresponding to the video chatting function. Then, when the screendisplay button of the remote controller is pressed, the video chattingscreen is displayed in the slave screen on the display 14, and the smartunit 12 is lit at a luminance in synchronization with the superimposeddisplay of the slave screen in yellow as shown in C of FIG. 17.

As described above, when the user presses the screen display button ofthe remote controller, the display 14 displays supplementary informationusing the slave screen, and the smart unit 12 is lit at a luminance insynchronization with the slave screen in the color corresponding to thetype of the supplementary information.

Accordingly, the user can ascertain what function the TV 1 is operatingonly by seeing the state of the smart unit 12 continuously lit in apredetermined color. In other words, an operation of a predeterminedfunction or a set state of the TV 1 can be instantaneously recognized.In addition, supplementary information of the function being operatedcan also be displayed as a slave screen when necessary.

[6.4 Other Operations]

Examples of associated lighting expressions corresponding to otheroperations in which image displays of the display 14 are combined withlighting expressions of the LED indicator 84 will be described withreference to FIGS. 18 to 21.

Note that, in FIGS. 18 to 21, “A” displayed on circular light in displayimages of the display 14 is a display indicating a predeterminedfunction that a user is currently operating (an up or down key operationor drag operation).

FIG. 18 shows an associated lighting expression when the up key amongfour direction keys including the up key, down key, right key, and leftkey of the remote controller is pressed.

When the up key is pressed, an associated lighting expression isperformed to resemble light moving in the upward direction correspondingto the up key. To be specific, the smart unit 12 is first lit. Then, asthe light of the smart unit 12 gradually disappears, an image of lightdisplayed near the smart unit 12 moving upward toward the center of thescreen is displayed on the display 14.

FIG. 19 shows an associated lighting expression when the down key of theremote controller is pressed.

When the down key is pressed, the associated lighting expression isperformed to resemble light moving in the downward directioncorresponding to the down key. To be specific, an image with circularlight is displayed at the center of the screen of the display 14. Then,an image of the circular light at the center of the screen moving in thedownward direction of the screen toward the smart unit 12 is displayedon the display 14. Next, as the light on the display 14 disappears, thesmart unit 12 is lit, and then turns off.

FIG. 20 shows an associated lighting expression when the display 14 ofthe TV 1 is a touch panel, and the user touches the display 14 with hisor her finger and drags the finger in the downward direction of thescreen toward the smart unit 12. In this case, the TV 1 performs thesame image display and lighting as when the down key of the remotecontroller is pressed as described in FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 shows an associated lighting expression when the display 14 ofthe TV 1 is a touch panel, and the user touches the display 14 with hisor her finger and drags the finger in the upward direction of the screenfrom near the smart unit 12. In this case, the TV 1 performs the sameimage display and lighting as when the up key of the remote controlleris pressed as described in FIG. 18.

As described above, when a predetermined setting operation is performedwith respect to the TV 1, an associated lighting expression in whichcircular light appears to be absorbed by the smart unit 12 or circularlight appears to be discharged from the smart unit 12 is performed. Notethat the associated lighting expression is not limited to theexemplified “circular” shape, and an arbitrary color and shape can beemployed. In addition, instead of the “circular light,” predeterminedtext, a figure, or a combination thereof can be used.

When the smart unit 12 is lit or flickers at a predetermined luminancein a predetermined color, the user can quickly and simply recognize thecontent (meaning) indicated by lighting or flickering of the smart unit12 by performing a pre-decided operation as described above.

[7. Associated Lighting Expression with a Screen-Off Operation]

The TV 1 has the camera 93 within the smart unit 12, and can sense auser in front of the TV 1 based on an image captured by the camera 93.In addition, the TV 1 has a screen-off function for not displaying animage for power saving when a state in which the user is not present infront of the TV 1 for a certain period of time is sensed.

A of FIG. 22 shows an associated expression in which an image display ofthe display 14 is combined with lighting of the smart unit 12 when theTV 1 is transitioned to the screen-off mode.

When a mode is transitioned to the screen-off mode, the control unit 66controls the image display of the display 14 such that an image of whichthe screen is to be off appears to be absorbed by the smart unit 12disposed on the lower side of the display 14 as shown in A of FIG. 22.In other words, in the image displayed on the display 14, as the imageof which the screen is to be off is absorbed by the smart unit 12, alight emission luminance near the smart unit 12 increases. In addition,as the image displayed on the display 14 is absorbed by the smart unit12, the smart unit 12 is lit brightly (a luminance increases). In otherwords, the control unit 66 controls display of the display 14 andlighting of the smart unit 12 so that a display ratio of the image onthe display 14 is inversely proportional to the light emission luminanceof the smart unit 12.

B of FIG. 22 shows an associated expression in which an image display ofthe display 14 is combined with lighting of the smart unit 12 when themode returns to a normal mode (display mode) from the screen-off mode.

When the mode returns to the normal mode, the control unit 66 controlsthe image display so that the image to be displayed appears to bedischarged from the smart unit 12 as shown in B of FIG. 22. In otherwords, an image with a high luminance is formed near the smart unit 12of the display 14 and then the image to be displayed is enlarged overthe entire screen. The smart unit 12 gradually shifts to a low luminanceas the image to be displayed is displayed on the display 14. In otherwords, the light emission luminance of the smart unit 12 is lowered ininverse proportion to a display ratio of the image to be displayed onthe display 14.

As described above, the control unit 66 performs the associatedexpression of the display 14 and the smart unit 12 in which the image ofwhich the screen is to be off appears to be absorbed by the smart unit12 or the image to be displayed appears to be discharged from the smartunit 12. The user can be made to perceive that the smart unit 12 is thecore (center portion, or essence) of the TV 1.

[8. Association of a Video Chatting Screen with the LED Indicator 84]

FIG. 23 shows screen transitions when the video chatting function isused in the TV 1 via the Internet.

When a user views a predetermined broadcasting program in the TV 1 asshown in an image 201, and there is an incoming call of video chattingfrom another user via a network such as the Internet, the TV 1 causesthe smart unit 12 to light in synchronization with a sound indicatingthe incoming call of the video chatting as shown in an image 202. Here,the lighting in synchronization with a sound indicating the incomingcall of the video chatting indicates that the light emission luminanceof the LED indicator 84 changes according to a tone or volume of thesound indicating the incoming call of the video chatting. As describedabove with reference to C of FIG. 17, since an emitted light color ofthe LED indicator 84 is associated with a predetermined function, theuser can recognize that the incoming call of the video chatting hasarrived by visually recognizing a lighting color of the LED indicator 84even if the sound indicating the incoming call of the video chatting isnot heard.

The user responds to the incoming call of the video chatting by pressinga predetermined button of the remote controller. Then, the control unit66 of the TV 1 causes a video chatting screen to be displayed in theassociated expression in which the image display of the display 14 iscombined with the lighting of the smart unit 12 as shown in images 203and 204 as described with reference to B of FIG. 22. In other words, thecontrol unit 66 controls lighting of the smart unit 12 and the displayimage of the display 14 such that the video chatting image appears to bedischarged from the smart unit 12 over an image of the broadcastingprogram that is currently viewed.

When the user finishes the video chatting, the control unit 66 of the TV1 erases the video chatting image with the associated expression inwhich the image display of the display 14 is combined with the lightingof the smart unit 12 as shown in images 206 to 209 as described withreference to A of FIG. 22. In other words, the control unit 66 controlsthe lighting of the smart unit 12 and the display image of the display14 so that the video chatting image appears to be absorbed by the smartunit 12 disposed on the lower side of the display 14.

Note that, in the video chatting, chatting can also be performed inconversation only using voices without displaying the video chattingimage on the display 14. In a voice conversation mode in which chattingis performed in conversation only using voices, the video chatting imageis erased and the smart unit 12 is lit in synchronization with voices(sounds) of a conversation partner as shown in images 210 and 211.

In the above example, the case in which the video chatting image isdisplayed on the broadcasting program image being displayed has beendescribed. However, even when another image is displayed and erased, anexpression in which such an image display of the display 14 is combinedwith lighting of the smart unit 12 can be employed.

FIG. 24 shows an example in which an expression in which an imagedisplay of the display 14 is combined with lighting of the smart unit 12is applied to electronic POP (Point of purchase advertising).

In addition, such an expression in which an image display of the display14 is combined with lighting of the smart unit 12 can be employed evenwhen, for example, an individual user is recognized based on a userimage captured by the camera 93 of the smart unit 12 and an informationprovision screen for providing optimum information for the recognizeduser is displayed and erased. Content of information to be provided to auser on the information provision screen can be changed according to notonly the recognized individual user but also a time, date, weather, orthe like. For example, when a user is recognized on a weekday morning, atrain route, traffic information (traffic jam information) of roads, andthe like registered in advance can be presented on the informationprovision screen.

As described above, when, on a first image being displayed on thedisplay 14, a second image that is another image is displayed in asuperimposed manner or erased, the associated expression in which thesecond image appears to be absorbed by the smart unit 12 or dischargedfrom the smart unit 12 can be employed.

[9. Information Expression of the LED Indicator 84 Based on VideoViewing Experience]

Next, an example in which a user is caused to recognize predeterminedinformation (a state) using an information descriptive image displayedon the display 14 and predetermined lighting of the LED indicator 84 ofthe smart unit 12 will be described.

[9.1 Correspondence to a Lighting Position]

An example in which a user is caused to recognize predeterminedinformation according to an information descriptive image and a lightingposition of the LED indicator 84 will be described with reference toFIG. 25.

As described above, since the three LEDs 21 are disposed side by side inthe lateral direction, the LED indicator 84 can cause the LEDs to beindependently lit to cause the user to be able to identify threepositions of the left, the center and the right positions.

Thus, the control unit 66 first causes descriptive images for describingpredetermined information to be displayed in positions corresponding tothe three LEDs 21 on the left, the center and the right of the display14 as shown on the upper side of FIG. 25. In the example on the upperside of FIG. 25, an image for describing “information A” correspondingto the LED 21L on the left side, an image for describing “information B”corresponding to the LED 21W at the center, and an image for describing“information C” corresponding to the LED 21R on the right side aredisplayed.

In addition, while the descriptive images for describing the“information A,” “information B,” and “information C” are displayed, thecontrol unit 66 causes the three LEDs 21 to be sequentially lit, forexample, one by one to cause the user to recognize the correspondencerelationship between the information A, information B, and information Cand the LEDs 21.

Then, the image displayed on the display 14 is switched and thedescriptive images are erased as shown on the lower side of FIG. 25. Inthe example of the lower side of FIG. 25, an image in which a mountainis drawn is displayed on the display 14 of the TV 1; however, the imageitself is insignificant and has no relation to lighting of the smartunit 12.

When the LED 21L on the left side is on during the display of themountain image on the display 14, the user who sees the LED perceives itas the “information A.” When the LED 21W at the center is on, the userwho sees the LED perceives it as the “information B.” When the LED 21Ron the right side is on, the user who sees the LED perceives it as the“information C.” In this manner, when predetermined information is to beindicated, the control unit 66 causes the LEDs 21 to be lit in thepositions corresponding to the information.

The above example will be described using a specific example. Forexample, a scene in which video chatting is performed with threepartners at the same time is assumed. In this case, the control unit 66displays a photographed image of a user A as the “information A” of thedescriptive image displayed on the display 14, a photographed image of auser B as the “information B,” and a photographed image of a user C asthe “information C,” and then switches the display 14 to a broadcastingprogram image. Then, the control unit 66 causes the LED 21L on the leftside to be lit when the user speaks with the user A, causes the LED 21Wat the center to be lit when the user speaks with the user B, and causesthe LED 21R on the right side to be lit when the user speaks with theuser C. The user in front of the TV 1 can easily recognize a user withwhom the user speaks only by seeing a lighting position of the LEDindicator 84.

Note that, in the example described above, an image with text that says“this position is for the user A” may be displayed, instead of thephotographed images of the user A, the user B, and the user C.

FIG. 26 shows another example in which a user is caused to recognizepredetermined information according to lighting positions of the LEDindicator 84.

In the example of FIG. 26, the control unit 66 displays the descriptiveimages in the same manner as in FIG. 25, and then moves the image fordescribing the “information B” in the downward direction of the screen.Then, by causing the LED 21W at the center corresponding to the“information B” to be lit along with disappearance of the image fordescribing the “information B,” the user recognizes the correspondencerelationship between the predetermined information and the LED 21.Accordingly, when the LED 21W at the center is lit even after the imageis switched, the user who sees the LED perceives the LED as the“information B.”

[9.2 Correspondence to a Lighting Cycle]

An example in which a user recognizes predetermined informationaccording to an information descriptive image and a lighting cycle(blinking pattern) of the LED indicator 84 will be described withreference to FIG. 27.

In the example of FIG. 27, the number of pieces of information to bedescribed is six including “information A” to “information F.”

The control unit 66 first causes the descriptive images of the“information A” to “information F” to be displayed on the display 14 asshown on the upper side of FIG. 27, and the descriptive images of the“information A” to “information F” are sequentially displayed indifferent blinking patterns. In addition, at this moment, the LED 21W ofthe LED indicator 84 is also lit with brightness synchronized with theblinking patterns of the images.

Then, after the image of the display 14 is switched, the smart unit 12is lit in any one blinking pattern among the blinking patterns of the“information A” to “information F” presented earlier in the descriptiveimages. For example, as shown in FIG. 27, the LED 21W of the smart unit12 is assumed to be lit (to flicker) in the blinking pattern of the“information A.” In this case, even if an irrelevant image is displayedon the display 14, the user perceives that the lighting means the“information A.”

[9.3 Correspondence to a Lighting Color]

Next, an example in which the user recognizes predetermined informationaccording to an information descriptive image and a lighting color ofthe LED indicator 84 will be described with reference to FIG. 28.

First, the control unit 66 causes descriptive images for describing the“information A,” “information B,” and “information C” to be displayed onthe display 14 in the same manner as in the example shown in FIG. 25.However, a difference is that the descriptive images for describing the“information A,” “information B,” and “information C” are expressed indifferent colors in FIG. 28. For example, the “information A” isdisplayed in red, the “information B” is displayed in blue, and the“information C” is displayed in green.

Then, after an image of the display 14 is switched and accordingly thedescriptive images are erased, if the color LED 21L is lit in red asshown on the left side of FIG. 28, the user who sees the lightingperceives that the lighting means the “information A.”

In addition, lighting of the smart unit 12 enables content and rankingof the information to be recognized by defining the right-left directionof the smart unit 12 as a time axis, and arranging and lighting aplurality of colors in the time-axis direction. On the right side ofFIG. 28, the color LED 21L displays green and the color LED 21R displaysred, and thus the user perceives the order of the “information C” andthe “information A” that is the order of the colors green and red.

[10. Associated Expression Corresponding to a User Operation Performedwith Respect to the Smart Unit 12]

The smart unit 12 has the touch sensor 85 and thus can sense contact orproximity of a hand or a finger of a user as described above. Inaddition, the smart unit 12 has the NFC communication unit 88 and the BTcommunication unit 89, and thus can communicate with other NFC devicesor BT devices. Furthermore, since the smart unit 12 has the camera 93,the smart unit can sense operations of a user.

The TV 1 can perform a predetermined associated expression usinglighting of the LED indicator 84 and an image display of the display 14corresponding to various operations of the user with respect to thesmart unit 12.

[10.1 Associated Expression Corresponding to a Touch Operation withRespect to the Smart Unit 12]

FIG. 29 shows an example of an associated expression corresponding to atouch operation with respect to the smart unit 12.

The example in which, when the timer function is being operated in theTV 1, the smart unit 12 is lit in orange that is an emitted light colorcorresponding to the timer function, and when the screen display buttonof the remote controller is pressed, the supplementary information isdisplayed on the slave screen has been described above in FIG. 16.

The example of FIG. 29 shows that the same associated expression isperformed when a touch operation with respect to the smart unit 12 isdetected, instead of pressing of the screen display button of theexample of FIG. 16.

When the timer function is being operated in the TV 1, the smart unit 12is lit in orange that is the emitted light color corresponding to thetimer function. The user touches the smart unit 12 that is lit in orangewith his or her hand. When the touch operation of the user with respectto the smart unit 12 is detected, the control unit 66 of the TV 1 causesthe slave screen to be displayed as supplementary information in asuperimposed manner, and causes (the LED indicator 84 of) the smart unit12 to emit light in a color corresponding to the function insynchronization with the slave screen as shown in FIG. 16.

The user can ascertain what function of the TV 1 is being operated onlyby seeing the state in which the smart unit 12 is continuously lit in apredetermined color. In other words, an operation of a predeterminedfunction or a set state of the TV 1 can be instantaneously recognized.In addition, with only a simple operation of touching the smart unit 12,the supplementary information of a function being operated can bedisplayed as a slave screen and content thereof can be retrieved.

FIG. 29 is an example in which a predetermined image such as abroadcasting program image is displayed as a master screen as in thecase of FIG. 16 described above; however, FIG. 30 shows an example inwhich an image is not displayed in the standby state of the TV 1 and atouch operation with respect to the smart unit 12 is detected.

Also in this case, when the TV 1 detects a touch operation of a userwith respect to the smart unit 12, supplementary information isdisplayed near the smart unit 12 within the display 14 and the LEDindicator 84 of the smart unit 12 is caused to emit light in a colorcorresponding to the function in synchronization with the display of thesupplementary information.

[10.2 Associated Expression Corresponding to an NFC Proximity Operationwith Respect to the Smart Unit 12]

FIG. 31 shows an associated expression corresponding to an NFC proximityoperation with respect to the smart unit 12.

In the example of FIG. 31, a user holds a mobile terminal (such as asmartphone) 221 that has an NFC communication function and brings themobile terminal close to the smart unit 12, rather than his or her hand.

When the TV 1 detects proximity of the mobile terminal 221 to the smartunit 12, the smart unit 12 is lit indicating that the proximity has beendetected. For example, the LED indicator 84 is lit in synchronization orassociation with an LED lamp of the mobile terminal 221.

Then, the TV 1 performs the same associated expression as in FIG. 29. Inother words, the TV 1 causes the slave screen to be displayed in asuperimposed manner as supplementary information and causes the LEDindicator 84 to emit light in a color corresponding to the function insynchronization with the slave screen as shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 32 shows an example in which, when the TV 1 is in the standbystate, proximity of the mobile terminal 221 to the smart unit 12 isdetected.

Also in this case, when proximity of the mobile terminal 221 to thesmart unit 12 is detected, the smart unit 12 is lit indicating that theproximity has been detected. Next, supplementary information isdisplayed near the smart unit 12 within the display 14, and the LEDindicator 84 emits light in a color corresponding to the function insynchronization with the display of the supplementary information.

[10.3 Associated Expression Corresponding to Data Transfer Between aMobile Terminal and the TV 1]

FIG. 33 shows an example of an associated expression corresponding todata transfer performed between the proximate mobile terminal 221 andthe smart unit 12.

A of FIG. 33 shows an example of an associated expression when data istransferred from the mobile terminal 221 to the TV 1.

A user brings the mobile terminal 221 close to the smart unit 12 of theTV 1. When proximity of the mobile terminal 221 to the smart unit 12 isdetected, the control unit 66 of the TV 1 causes the smart unit 12 tolight in synchronization with the LED lamp of the mobile terminal 221.In other words, the LED indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 and the LEDlamp of the mobile terminal 221 emit light at the same timing, arecontinuously on, or repeatedly turn on and off in the same blinkingpattern.

Next, data transfer from the mobile terminal 221 to the TV 1 is startedusing NFC communication. The control unit 66 of the TV 1 startsacquisition of predetermined data from the mobile terminal 221 in theNFC communication.

During the data transfer operation, the control unit 66 of the TV 1performs a lighting expression indicating data input combined withlighting of the LED lamp of the mobile terminal 221. To be specific, theLED lamp of the mobile terminal 221 is lit first at a predeterminedluminance. Then, corresponding to a light-off operation (reduction of aluminance) of the LED lamp of the mobile terminal 221, the control unit66 of the TV 1 performs the lighting expression as shown in B of FIG. 11or D of FIG. 11 in which the LED indicator 84 is combined with the imagedisplay of the display 14. A of FIG. 32 shows an example in which the TV1 performs the lighting expression of B of FIG. 11.

B of FIG. 33 shows an example of an associated expression when data istransferred from the TV 1 to the mobile terminal 221.

A lighting expression performed when (the smart unit 12 of) the TV 1 andthe mobile terminal 221 detect communication partners as NFCcommunication devices is the same as in A of FIG. 33.

When data transfer from the TV 1 to the mobile terminal 221 is started,the control unit 66 of the TV 1 performs a lighting expressionindicating data output combined with lighting of the LED lamp of themobile terminal 221. To be specific, the control unit 66 of the TV 1first performs the lighting expression as shown in A of FIG. 11 or C ofFIG. 11 in which the LED indicator 84 is combined with the image displayof the display 14. Then, in the mobile terminal 221, corresponding to alight-off operation (reduction of a luminance) of the LED indicator 84,the LED lamp of the mobile terminal 221 is gradually lit and then turnsoff. B of FIG. 33 shows an example in which the TV 1 performs thelighting expression of A of FIG. 11.

As described above, the TV 1 performs a lighting expression associated(synchronized or linked) with a display unit (LED lamp) of an externaldevice that is a communication partner of NFC communication using theLED indicator 84 to indicate detection of the communication partner.

In addition, the TV 1 indicates data input and output operations byfurther associating an associated expression in which lighting of theLED indicator 84 is combined with an image display (a video expression)with lighting of the LED lamp of the external device that is acommunication partner of NFC communication.

[10.4 Associated Expression Corresponding to a Gesture Operation withRespect to the Smart Unit 12]

The TV 1 has a gesture input mode in which a predetermined command isgiven to the TV 1 or predetermined information is input using a gestureoperation.

The control unit 66 of the TV 1 performs control to cause the LEDindicator 84 to be lit as shown in FIG. 34 in the gesture input modewhen the user's hand is detected or a gesture is recognized.

In other words, the user positioned in front of the TV 1 has his or herpalm toward the (camera 93 of the) TV 1. When the hand of the user isdetected based on an image photographed by the camera 93, the controlunit 66 causes the LED indicator 84 to be lit at a first luminance (forexample, 40% luminance).

When the user makes a predetermined gesture decided in advance and thecontrol unit 66 of the TV 1 recognizes the gesture based on the imagephotographed by the camera 93, a luminance instantly increases from thefirst luminance to a second luminance (for example, 100% luminance).Then, the control unit 66 gradually lowers the luminance from the secondluminance to the first luminance.

When the gesture is recognized again based on the image photographed bythe camera 93, the control unit 66 controls such that the luminance isinstantly raised from the first luminance to the second luminance, andgradually returns to the first luminance. On the other hand, when theuser puts his or her hand down and it is difficult to detect the palm ofthe user to be recognized, the control unit 66 causes the LED indicator84 to turn off.

As described above, when a gesture is recognized, the control unit 66controls the LED indicator 84 so that a lighting expression that leavesafterglow is made by changing the luminance from the first luminance tothe second luminance according to the passage of time. By performinglighting in that manner, it is possible to easily ascertain whether theTV 1 that should receive a predetermined command or information hasreceived a user's instruction.

[10.5 Associated Expression Corresponding to a Pairing Operation of a BTDevice]

FIG. 35 shows an example of an associated expression corresponding to apairing operation of a BT device.

Headphones 241 shown in FIG. 35 are a BT device that receives audiosignals of a broadcasting program or the like from the TV 1 using BTcommunication and outputs sounds. The headphones 241 have an LED lamp242 that emits predetermined light according to a power state or acommunication state.

As shown in A of FIG. 35, before the TV1 and the headphones 241 whichare BT devices are paired, the LED indicator 84 of the TV 1 the LED lamp242 of the headphones 241 are off together.

A user performs a pairing operation of the TV 1 with the headphones 241.In other words, by the user performing a predetermined operation decidedin advance on the headphones 241, the headphones 241 are transitioned tothe pairing mode. In addition, the TV 1 is transitioned to the paringmode, and the control unit 66 of the TV 1 searches for a BT devicelocated within a communicable range, thereby detecting the headphones241.

The control unit 66 of the TV 1 executes a pairing operation with thedetected headphones 241. Accordingly, the same passcodes (PIN codes) areshared between the TV 1 and the headphones 241.

When the pairing is completed, the TV 1 makes an associated expressionin which lighting of the LED indicator 84 is combined with an imagedisplay (a video expression) indicating the completion of the pairing asshown in B of FIG. 35. In other words, the TV 1 causes the LED indicator84 to emit light at a first luminance (for example, 100% luminance) andcauses an image of semi-circular light to be displayed on the display 14having the smart unit 12 as its center. In the image displayed on thedisplay 14, text “Pairing with Headphone!” is also displayed. Thelighting of the LED indicator 84 and the image display are controlled soas to be in synchronization with the same blinking pattern of the LEDlamp 242 of the headphones 241. Note that the lighting of the LEDindicator 84 and the image display may be performed so as to be linkedwith the blinking pattern of the LED lamp 242 of the headphones 241 witha predetermined time interval.

In second and succeeding connections of the TV 1 and the headphones 241in which pairing is set, even when the BT devices are mutually detected,the same synchronized lighting control as in B of FIG. 35 is performed.In addition, when the TV 1 is in connection with the headphones 241using BT communication, the LED indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 andthe LED lamp 242 of the headphones 241 are continuously lit at a secondluminance (for example, 40% luminance) lower than the first luminance.

[10. 6 Associated Expression with a Wi-Fi Device on a Home Network]

The TV 1 causes the smart unit 12 to be lit according to a communicationstate with another communication device connected to a home network in awired or wireless manner.

The TV 1 is, for example, a DLNA-certified device corresponding to DLNA(Digital Living Network Alliance) guidelines, and can acquire contentfrom other DLNA-certified devices based on the DLNA guidelines anddisplay images of the acquired content on the display 14.

An operation (function) of outputting (images of) content that has beenreproduced and displayed in a first DLNA-certified device from the firstDLNA-certified device to a second DLNA-certified device is called“throw.” On the other hand, an operation (function) of inputting (imagesof) content that has been reproduced and displayed in the secondDLNA-certified device to the first DLNA-certified device is called“catch.”

FIG. 36 shows an example of an associated expression of the TV 1 and amobile terminal 261 made when content is thrown from the mobile terminal261 that is the first DLNA-certified device to the TV 1 that is thesecond DLNA-certified device.

A user first selects a throw process of content that is being currentlyreproduced and displayed in the mobile terminal 261. Accordingly, throwdevice icons 281 and 282 which are icons of DLNA-certified devicesconnected to a home network are displayed as throw destinationcandidates on a display 262 of the mobile terminal 261 as shown in A ofFIG. 36. In this example, it is assumed that the throw device icon 281corresponds to the TV 1 and the throw device icon 282 corresponds to apersonal computer (not shown) connected to the home network.Hereinbelow, the throw device icon 281 is also referred to as a TV icon281 and the throw device icon 282 is referred to as a PC icon 282.

A user drags a content icon 283 that uses a thumbnail of reproduced anddisplayed content using his or her finger to move the content icon tothe throw device icon 281 or 282 to which the content is desired to bethrown.

The user separates the dragged finger on the TV icon 281 from thedisplay 262 to select the TV 1 as a throw destination.

When the dragged finger is separated on the TV icon 281, the contenticon 283 disappears as if being absorbed by the TV icon 281 as shown inC of FIG. 36, and finally becomes as shown in D of FIG. 36. While thecontent icon 283 disappears as if being absorbed by the TV icon 281 andis no longer displayed, the LED indicator 84 of the smart unit 12gradually brightens from a first luminance (50% luminance) to a secondluminance (100% luminance) as shown in C of FIG. 36. Then, as shown in Dof FIG. 36, as the LED indicator 84 gradually turns off from the secondluminance, the image of the content reproduced and displayed in themobile terminal 261 is displayed on the display 14 of the TV 1.

FIG. 37 shows a state in which a content image 291 reproduced anddisplayed on the display 262 of the mobile terminal 261 is graduallydisplayed on the TV 1. As shown in the sequence of A of FIG. 37, B ofFIG. 37, C of FIG. 37, D of FIG. 37, and E of FIG. 37, the content image291 being reproduced in the mobile terminal 261 is gradually displayedon the TV 1.

[Various Operations of Catch and Throw]

Associated communication of catch or throw and an associated expressionof the display 14 and the LED indicator 84 of the TV 1 correspondingthereto will be described with reference to FIGS. 38 to 44.

First, the TV 1, a tablet terminal 301, and a mobile terminal 302 thatis also called a smartphone as shown in FIG. 38 are connected to a homenetwork to which the TV 1 is connected.

The tablet terminal 301 has a display 311 and an LED lamp 312, a controlunit (not shown) that controls the display and the lamp, and a wirelesscommunication unit (not shown) that performs wireless communication ofWi-Fi communication, NFC communication, BT communication, or the like. Apredetermined content image 313 is displayed on the display 311 of thetablet terminal 301. The mobile terminal 302 also has a display 321 andan LED lamp 322, a control unit (not shown) that controls the displayand the lamp, and a wireless communication unit (not shown). Apredetermined content image 323 is displayed on the display 321 of themobile terminal 302. A content image 331 of a broadcasting program orthe like is displayed on the display 14 of the TV 1.

When a user performs a predetermined operation decided in advance suchas tapping the display 321 of the mobile terminal 302, a throw-catchinstruction screen as shown in A of FIG. 39 is displayed on the display321. On the throw-catch instruction screen, a throw selection icon 341that is operated when a throw process is executed and a catch selectionicon 342 that is operated when a catch process is executed aredisplayed.

When the content image 323 reproduced and displayed in the mobileterminal 302 is to be thrown, the user taps (selects) the throwselection icon 341 displayed on the display 321.

When the throw selection icon 341 is tapped and a throw (process) isselected, a TV icon 343 corresponding to the TV 1 and a tablet icon 344corresponding to the tablet terminal 301 are displayed on the display321 of the mobile terminal 302 as throw destination candidates as shownin B of FIG. 39.

When the user taps and selects any of the TV icon 343 or the tablet icon344 displayed in the mobile terminal 302 as a throw destination, thecontent image 323 reproduced and displayed in the mobile terminal 302 isthrown to the TV 1 or the tablet terminal 301.

In addition, in the state in which the throw destination selectionscreen shown in B of FIG. 39 is displayed on the display 321 of themobile terminal 302, the user brings the mobile terminal 302 that he orshe is holding close to the smart unit 12 of the TV 1 as a throwdestination as shown in FIG. 40. Then, the TV 1 and the mobile terminal302 detect mutual proximity using NFC communication, the TV 1 isselected as a throw destination, and the content image 323 reproducedand displayed in the mobile terminal 302 is thrown to the TV 1.

In the throw process, the associated expression of the display 14 andthe LED indicator 84 of the TV 1 described with reference to FIG. 37 isexecuted between the TV 1 as a throw destination and the mobile terminal302.

On the other hand, even when the catch selection icon 342 is tapped toselect a catch (process) on the throw-catch instruction screen shown inA of FIG. 39, the same catch destination selection screen as B of FIG.39 is displayed on the display 321 of the mobile terminal 302. Then,according to tapping of the TV icon 343 or the tablet icon 344, orproximity of the mobile terminal 302, a DLNA-certified device that is acatch target is designated. As a result, a content image is input fromthe designated DLNA-certified device and then displayed on the display321 of the mobile terminal 302.

FIGS. 41 and 42 are diagrams for describing another operation method ofassociated communication.

In the mobile terminal 302, the TV 1 or the mobile terminal 302 can bedesignated as a throw destination by performing an operation of draggingthe content image 323 displayed on the display 321 in the upwarddirection of the drawing from the state of the mobile terminal 302 inwhich the throw destination selection screen of B of FIG. 39 isdisplayed, and then separating a finger on the TV icon 343 or the tableticon 344.

At this moment, when a content image 323A that is a reduced image of thecontent image 323 is in a state of being superimposed on the TV icon 343after the dragging as shown in FIG. 41, the LED indicator 84 of thesmart unit 12 of the TV 1 corresponding to the TV icon 343 is lit in apredetermined cycle. In other words, the mobile terminal 302 causes theLED indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 to be lit in the predeterminedcycle by transmitting a control signal indicating the selection to theTV 1 that has been selected as a throw destination as the content image323A is in the state of being superimposed on the TV icon 343.

On the other hand, when a content image 323A that is a reduced image ofthe content image 323 is in a state of being superimposed on the tableticon 344 after the dragging as shown in FIG. 42, the LED lamp 312 of thetablet terminal 301 corresponding to the tablet icon 344 is lit in apredetermined cycle. In other words, the mobile terminal 302 causes theLED indicator 84 of the smart unit 12 to be lit in the predeterminedcycle by transmitting a control signal indicating the selection to thetablet terminal 301 that has been selected as a throw destination as thecontent image 323A is in the state of being superimposed on the tableticon 344.

In this manner, the TV 1 and the tablet terminal 301 emit light in thepredetermined cycle when they are selected as an output destination ofthe content image 323 by the mobile terminal 302. Accordingly, the usercan easily recognize a device that is a throw destination (outputdestination of content data).

FIG. 43 is a diagram for describing still another operation method ofthe associated communication.

In the state of the mobile terminal 302 reproducing and displaying thecontent image 323 as shown in FIG. 38, the user drags a surface of thedisplay 321 of the mobile terminal 302 in the upward direction of FIG.43 as shown in A of the drawing. When the dragging operation of the userin the upward direction is detected, the mobile terminal 302 recognizesthat a throw command has been instructed and causes a throw icon 361indicating a throw operation to be displayed on the display 321 in asuperimposed manner. Then, the same throw destination selection screenas in B of FIG. 39 is displayed on the display 321.

On the other hand, the user drags a surface of the display 321 of themobile terminal 302 in the downward direction of FIG. 43 as shown in Bof the drawing. When the dragging operation of the user in the downwarddirection is detected, the mobile terminal 302 recognizes that a catchcommand has been instructed and causes a catch icon 362 indicating acatch operation to be displayed on the display 321 in a superimposedmanner. Then, the same catch destination selection screen as in B ofFIG. 39 is displayed on the display 321.

An operation after the throw destination or catch destination selectionscreen is displayed will be omitted since the operation is the same asthe example described above.

FIG. 44 is a diagram for describing still another operation method ofthe associated communication.

In the state of the mobile terminal 302 reproducing and displaying thecontent image 323 as shown in FIG. 38, the user brings the mobileterminal 302 that he or she is holding close to the smart unit 12 of theTV 1 that serves as an associated communication destination as shown inFIG. 44. Then, the TV 1 and the mobile terminal 302 detect mutualproximity using NFC communication. Then, the LED indicator 84 of thesmart unit 12 of the TV 1 and the LED lamp 322 of the mobile terminal302 are lit in a synchronized manner.

At the same time, the mobile terminal 302 causes the same associatedcommunication selection screen as in A of FIG. 39 to be displayed on thedisplay 321. When the throw selection icon 341 is tapped (selected) onthe associated communication selection screen, the content image 323reproduced and displayed in the mobile terminal 302 is thrown to the TV1. On the other hand, when the catch selection icon 342 is tapped(selected) on the associated communication selection screen, the contentimage 331 reproduced and displayed in the TV 1 is caught by the mobileterminal 302 from the TV 1, and then displayed on the display 321 of themobile terminal 302.

Two communication devices 401 (401A and 401B) of FIGS. 45 and 46 aredevices with the same functions as the TV 1, the tablet terminal 301,and the mobile terminal 302 described above having LED indicators 411(411A and 411B).

When associated communication such as catch and throw is started betweenthe communication devices 401A and 401B by bringing the twocommunication devices 401A and 401B into proximity with each other, auser can easily ascertain which parts of the devices should be broughtclose to each other by first setting the LED indicator 411A of thecommunication device 401A and the LED indicator 411B of thecommunication device 401B to be lit as shown in FIG. 45.

Then, when the user brings a periphery of the lightening LED indicator411A of the communication device 401A close to a periphery of the LEDindicator 411B of the communication device 401B, the communicationdevice 401A and the communication device 401B detect (recognize) eachother. When the communication device 401A and the communication device401B detect each other, the devices are lit in the same lighting method.For example, the LED indicator 411A of the communication device 401A andthe LED indicator 411B of the communication device 401B blink at thesame time. Accordingly, the user can easily recognize that thecommunication device 401A and the communication device 401B haverecognized each other. Instead of changing a light emission luminance, acolor or a shape of a lighting portion may be changed.

In addition, during communication of data, lighting of the LED indicator411A of the communication device 401A and the LED indicator 411B of thecommunication device 401B is controlled so as to make transitions oflight corresponding to movement of the data as shown in FIG. 46. Inother words, control in which the LED indicator 411A of thecommunication device 401A that is a data transfer source is first lit ata high luminance, and then the LED indicator 411B of the communicationdevice 401B that is a transfer destination is lit at a high luminancewhen the LED indicator 411A turns off can be repeatedly executed in apredetermined unit of data. Accordingly, the user can instantaneouslyrecognize exchange of data between the communication devices 401A and401B. Alternatively, the LED indicator 411A of the communication device401A and the LED indicator 411B of the communication device 401B mayperform lighting such that light is repeatedly turned on and off at thesame timing.

[11. Flowchart for Realizing an Associated Expression]

FIG. 47 is a flowchart of a process performed by the TV 1 to realize anassociated expression between an image display of the display 14 andlighting of the LED indicator 84 described above.

In the process, first in Step S1, the control unit 66 of the TV 1determines whether or not an operation of a user and the like have beendetected, as a trigger to perform an associated expression. Theoperation of the user and the like correspond to various kinds ofoperations or device states including a button operation of the remotecontroller described above, a user operation using a gesture, proximityof another communication device to the smart unit 12, reception of amessage requesting associated communication, and the like.

The process of Step S1 is repeated until the operation of the user andthe like are determined to be detected, and when the operation of theuser and the like are determined to be detected in Step S1, the processproceeds to Step S2. Then, in Step S2, the control unit 66 of the TV 1makes an associated expression in which an image display of the display14 is associated with lighting of the LED indicator 84 as describedabove.

Although associated expressions mainly made by the TV 1 have beendescribed in the above examples, the present technology can be appliedto image display units such as LCD or EL (Electro Luminescence) displaysof mobile terminals like smartphones, tablet terminals, and the like,and overall display devices with indicators (lighting parts) like LEDsindicating predetermined operations and states using illumination, inaddition to television receiver sets.

An embodiment of the present technology is not limited to theabove-described embodiments, and can be variously modified within thescope not departing from the gist of the present technology.

Additionally, the present technology may also be configured as below.

(1)

A display device including:

an indicator unit disposed at least in a part of a periphery of adisplay unit

and including an indicator configured to be lit at a predeterminedluminance; and

an indicator control unit configured to control lighting of theindicator, wherein the indicator control unit performs control such thata lighting method of the indicator is changed according to passage oftime.

(2)

The display device according to (1),

wherein, when a predetermined setting operation is performed withrespect to the display device, the indicator control unit performedcontrol such that a light emission luminance of the indicator is set tobe a first luminance and then gradually changes to a second luminancedifferent from the first luminance.

(3)

The display device according to (1) or (2),

wherein the indicator control unit performs control such that a lightingcolor of the indicator turns into a color according to a type ofinformation.

(4)

The display device according to any one of (1) to (3),

wherein the indicator control unit causes the lighting method of theindicator to be changed according to passage of time in synchronizationwith an image of the display unit that is an image which appears to beabsorbed by the indicator unit or an image which appears to bedischarged from the indicator unit.

(5)

The display device according to any one of (1) to (4),

wherein the indicator unit at least includes a first indicator and asecond indicator of which lighting positions are different,

wherein a display control unit configured to cause an image causing auser to recognize first information corresponding to the first indicatorand second information corresponding to the second indicator to bedisplayed on the display unit is further included, and

wherein the indicator control unit causes the first information to beindicated by causing the first indicator to be lit and causes the secondinformation to be indicated by causing the second indicator to be lit.

(6)

The display device according to any one of (1) to (5), furtherincluding:

a display control unit configured to cause an image causing a user torecognize first information corresponding to a first blinking pattern ofthe indicator and second information corresponding to a second blinkingpattern thereof to be displayed on the display unit,

wherein the indicator control unit causes the first information to beindicated by causing the indicator to be lit in the first blinkingpattern and causes the second information to be indicated by causing theindicator to be lit in the second blinking pattern.

(7)

The display device according to any one of (1) to (6), furtherincluding:

a display control unit configured to cause an image causing a user torecognize first information corresponding to a first lighting color ofthe indicator and second information corresponding to a second lightingcolor thereof to be displayed on the display unit,

wherein the indicator control unit causes the first information to beindicated by causing the indicator to be lit in the first lighting colorand causes the second information to be indicated by causing theindicator to be lit in the second lighting color.

(8)

A display control method of a display device including an indicator unitdisposed at least in a part of a periphery of a display unit andincluding an indicator configured to be lit at a predetermined luminanceand an indicator control unit configured to control lighting of theindicator, the method including:

performing control such that a lighting method of the indicator ischanged according to passage of time by the indicator control unit.

(9)

A program causing a computer configured to control a display deviceincluding an indicator unit disposed at least in a part of a peripheryof a display unit and including an indicator configured to be lit at apredetermined luminance, to execute a process of:

performing control such that a lighting method of the indicator ischanged according to passage of time.

(10)

A display device including:

an indicator unit disposed at least in a part of a periphery of adisplay unit and including an indicator configured to be lit at apredetermined luminance; and

an indicator control unit configured to control lighting of theindicator,

wherein the indicator control unit sets a light emission luminance ofthe indicator to be a first luminance and then gradually changes thelight emission luminance to a second luminance different from the firstluminance.

(11)

The display device according to (10),

wherein the indicator control unit causes a lighting color of theindicator to turn into a color corresponding to a function beingcurrently operated.

(12)

The display device according to (10) or (11),

wherein the indicator control unit changes a light emission luminance ofthe indicator from the first luminance to the second luminance before orafter an image in which a peripheral region of the indicator is set tohave a high luminance is displayed on the display unit.

(13)

A display control method of a display device including an indicator unitdisposed at least in a part of a periphery of a display unit andincluding an indicator configured to be lit at a predetermined luminanceand an indicator control unit configured to control lighting of theindicator, the method including:

setting a light emission luminance of the indicator to be a firstluminance and then gradually changing the light emission luminance to asecond luminance different from the first luminance by the indicatorcontrol unit.

(14)

A program causing a computer configured to control a display deviceconfigured to include an indicator unit disposed at least in a part of aperiphery of a display unit and including an indicator configured to belit at a predetermined luminance, to execute a process of:

setting a light emission luminance of the indicator to be a firstluminance and then gradually changing the light emission luminance to asecond luminance different from the first luminance.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1 television receiver set-   11 display main body-   12 smart unit-   14 display-   15 frame part-   66 control unit-   84 LED indicator-   85 touch sensor-   87 Wi-Fi communication unit-   88 NFC communication unit-   89 BT communication unit-   93 camera-   101 AV signal processing section-   102 communication control section-   103 LED control section-   104 camera control section

The invention claimed is:
 1. A display device comprising: a displayarea; an indicator unit disposed at least in a part of a periphery of adisplay unit and including at least first and second indicatorsconfigured to be lit, the first indicator providing light in a spotshape from one light source being lit and located closer to a userviewing a display area than the second indicator providing light in astripe shape from one or more light sources being lit and the one lightsource being lit; and an indicator control unit configured to controllighting of the first and second indicators, wherein the indicatorcontrol unit is configured to cause a lighting method of the first orsecond indicator to be changed in accordance with a function of thedisplay device accessed via the display area, and wherein the displaydevice is configured to display information within the display areabased on an individual in an image captured by a camera associated withthe display device.
 2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein,when a predetermined setting operation is performed with respect to thedisplay device, the indicator control unit is configured to performcontrol such that a light emission luminance of the first or secondindicator is set to be a first luminance and then changes to a secondluminance different from the first luminance.
 3. The display deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the indicator control unit is configuredto perform control such that a lighting color of the first or secondindicator turns into a color according to a type of information.
 4. Thedisplay device according to claim 1, wherein lighting positions of thefirst indicator and of the second indicator are different, and whereinthe indicator control unit causes first information to be indicated bycausing the first indicator to be lit and causes second information tobe indicated by causing the second indicator to be lit.
 5. The displaydevice according to claim 1, wherein the indicator control unit isconfigured to cause first information to be indicated by causing thefirst indicator to be lit in a first blinking pattern and cause secondinformation to be indicated by causing the first or second indicator tobe lit in a second blinking pattern.
 6. The display device according toclaim 1, wherein the indicator control unit is configured to cause firstinformation to be indicated by causing the first indicator to be lit ina first lighting color and cause second information to be indicated bycausing the first or second indicator to be lit in a second lightingcolor.
 7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the functionof the display accessed via the display area comprises one or more of atimer function, a recording function and a video chatting function. 8.The display device according to claim 7, wherein the display areaincludes a slave screen area in which a light emission luminance of theslave screen area changes according to the passage of time associatedwith the timer function.
 9. The display device according to claim 1,wherein the information comprises one or more of a train route andtraffic information.
 10. The display device of claim 1, wherein thedisplay device includes a front side comprising the display area and thefirst indicator is positioned within the indicator unit closer to thefront side of the display device than the second indicator.
 11. Thedisplay device of claim 10, wherein the first indicator comprises awhite LED and the second indicator comprises a color LED.
 12. Thedisplay device of claim 1, wherein indicator control unit causes thelighting method to be changed in accordance with the function of thedisplay device using spot shaped light of the first indicator andstriped shaped light of the second indicator.
 13. A display controlmethod of a display device including a display area, an indicator unitdisposed at least in a part of a periphery of a display unit, theindicator unit including a first indicator and a second indicator, eachconfigured to be lit, and an indicator control unit configured tocontrol lighting of the first and second indicators, the methodcomprising: causing a lighting method of the first and second indicatorsto be changed in accordance with a function of the display deviceaccessed via the display area by changing a spot shape lighting patternassociated with the first indicator or stripe shaped lighting patternassociated with the second indicator; causing the spot shaped lightingpattern by lighting one light source located closer to a user viewing adisplay area than the second indicator; causing the stripe shapedlighting pattern by lighting one or more light sources and the one lightsource; capturing an image of an individual using a camera; andcontrolling display of content on the display device based on the imageof the individual captured using the camera.
 14. A non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium having stored thereon a program causinga computer configured to control a display device including a displayarea, an indicator unit disposed at least in a part of a periphery of adisplay unit, the indicator unit including first and second indicatorsconfigured to be lit, to execute a process of: causing a lighting methodof the first and second indicators to be changed in accordance with afunction of the display device accessed via the display area by changinga spot shape lighting pattern associated with the first indicator orstripe shaped lighting pattern associated with the second indicator;causing the spot shaped lighting pattern by lighting one light sourcelocated closer to a user viewing a display area than the secondindicator; causing the stripe shaped lighting pattern by lighting one ormore light sources and the one light source; capturing an image of anindividual using a camera; and controlling display of content on thedisplay device based on the image of the individual captured using thecamera.